The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoIB) has officially debunked a circulating notification regarding a public holiday on 6 September 2024 for Defence Day. Through their Fact Checker platform, the MoIB confirmed that the viral notice is fake. In a tweet, the ministry emphasized the seriousness of spreading false information, labeling it both unethical and illegal. They urged citizens to verify news before sharing, particularly on social media, where misinformation can spread rapidly.
Historically, Pakistan celebrated Defence Day as a public holiday to honor the sacrifices made by its military during the 1965 war with India. However, this federal holiday was discontinued in 1998 and has not been reinstated since. The last nationwide observance took place in 1997. Although Defence Day remains an important national event, the government now marks it through official ceremonies rather than a public holiday.
As of 2024, there has been no official announcement from the government to resume the holiday, and citizens are advised to rely on credible sources for any updates.
